WhatsApp and Telegram found implicated as accomplices
In Russia, measures are being taken to counter criminal activities on messaging platforms, such as Telegram and WhatsApp, in accordance with the guidelines set by law enforcement agencies. The specific requirements for these platforms to restore access to their calling services are not explicitly detailed, but compliance with local regulations is essential, as suggested by Roskomnadzor, Russia's state censorship agency.
One of the potential requirements could be data localization, as per Russia's "Yarovaya Law." This law, primarily focused on personal data, may be extended to include messaging data. Telegram and WhatsApp might need to store the data of Russian citizens within the country.
Another requirement could be closer cooperation with Russian law enforcement agencies. This could potentially involve providing information related to criminal investigations and complying with requests to block certain content.
Foreign messaging services may also need to comply with all aspects of Russian communications and data protection laws. This could include installing local servers or having official representatives in Russia.
Moreover, given Russia's increasing regulation of foreign IT companies, Telegram and WhatsApp might need to register as foreign IT companies operating in Russia, which comes with additional legal and reporting requirements.
On August 13, partial restrictions were imposed on calls in Telegram and WhatsApp. Roskomnadzor, the regulator taking these measures, has stated that access to the calling services of these platforms will be restored if they comply with the requirements of Russian legislation.
The head of the State Duma's information policy committee, Sergei Boyarsky, has expressed his opinion that the owners of messaging apps Telegram and WhatsApp have effectively become accomplices to criminals. In his Telegram channel, he believes that if calls in messengers have become the main tool of scammers, then the decision to slow them down is correct.
The Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of Russia has also stated that the restoration of access to the calling services depends on the platforms' compliance with Russian legislation. The exact steps necessary for compliance would depend on the specific legal and regulatory framework established for these platforms by Roskomnadzor and other Russian authorities.
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